Albemarle, North Carolina
Building Retail Success
Albemarle, North Carolina, sits in a unique position. This traditional textile town with a strong manufacturing history has evolved into one of the top 10 fastest-growing micropolitan areas in the United States. Located in the Charlotte region but without direct interstate access, Albemarle has carved out its own niche as a regional shopping destination.
A Retail Journey
The Value of Long-Term Partnership
When Albemarle first partnered with Retail Strategies in 2014, it marked the beginning of what would become a transformative long-term relationship. Now in their fourth contract renewal, the partnership has proven its worth.
“Our council members understand that continuing our partnership with Retail Strategies year after year is an investment,” Almond shares. “I’ve explained to them that having access to subject matter experts at any time, with their constant connections in the retail world, frees me up to do the rest of what council expects me to do. It’s money well spent. Hiring someone internally would be exponentially more expensive.”
The Power of Relationships and Data
The partnership’s success stems from understanding that retail recruitment is fundamentally about relationships and timing. “A one-year contract might get you some kind of information, but this line of work is all about relationships,” Almond emphasizes. “Having a pool of professionals that have experience doing this, that go to conferences year after year, is going to be more beneficial to a city than a one-year contract. Deals take time.”
The customized trade area analysis provided by Retail Strategies has become an invaluable tool for Almond’s broader economic development efforts.
“The customized trade area has helped me articulate to other developers the value we can bring to a company,” she notes. “I use it with hoteliers and industrial companies that come through our major thoroughfares and want to see major retail chains.”
Perhaps equally important is the education component. “The data and even the anecdotal feedback that the team provides is helpful in explaining the unknown to elected officials and our constituents,” Almond explains.
“People in our community want a Cracker Barrel or a Target and I’m able to confidently provide feedback on why we aren’t a fit for those particular companies.”
Tangible Results Across Multiple Corridors
- More than 200 new jobs created
- Nearly $27 million in total investment
- 10 regional and national retailers recruited
- Chick-fil-A
- Starbucks
- Jersey Mike’s
- Planet Fitness
- Ollie’s Bargain Outlet
- East Coast Wings and Grill
- Farmer’s Furniture
- Highway 55 Burgers, Shakes and Fries
- Biscuitville
- Aspen Dental
An Extension of the Economic Development Team
What sets this partnership apart is how seamlessly Retail Strategies integrates with Albemarle’s economic development operations. “It’s an extension of our department without having to bring on more staff,” Almond explains. “I can pick up the phone and call them anytime.”
The communication structure provides both regular updates and flexible access. Quarterly reports go to elected officials, with annual presentations to city council. For sensitive discussions, the team can meet in closed session to discuss specific details.
Strategic Coordination and Market Intelligence
The partnership’s sophistication shows in its coordinated approach to industry events. When Electricities coordinates ICSC Carolinas, Almond can tag-team meetings with the Retail Strategies team, maximizing the impact of both organizations’ time and resources.
Post-event reporting provides valuable market intelligence that helps Albemarle understand broader retail trends and opportunities. This intelligence proves invaluable not just for retail recruitment, but for supporting industrial recruitment efforts where potential companies want to see retail amenities for their employees.
Looking Forward
As Albemarle continues its impressive growth trajectory as one of the nation’s fastest-growing micropolitan areas, the Retail Strategies partnership remains central to capitalizing on retail opportunities. The combination of local market knowledge, specialized expertise, and long-term relationship building has created a sustainable model for retail growth.